JOE Calzaghe (pictured) may meet undisputed world middleweight champion Bernard Hopkins in what he calls 'my defining fight' as early as November, writes Paul Tully.

Calzaghe, the WBO super featherweight champion from Newbridge, believes only victory over the great American will get him recognised as one of the all-time greats too.

And he promises to knockout Hopkins either in Wales or in his own backyard in the States.

He has also vowed to knockout whichever opponent stands in his way in his 11th defence of the title at Cardiff Castle on August 17.

Calzaghe may know his opponent today, but the David Telesco clash is definitely off and a new world ranked American is being lined-up to satisfy American TV company Showtime.

"Hopkins is about to sign a big deal with Showtime and the only opponent out there to bring in big money is me," said Calzaghe after working-out with world light-middleweight challenger Tak Takaloo.

"Frank Warren says he is 70 per cent there in securing the contest which will be my defining fight.

"Hopkins is a great fighter, possibly the best pound-for-pound in the world apart, arguably, from Roy Jones, and that fight isn't going to happen.

"By beating Hopkins, I will be recognised as a great fighter, but I'm not at the moment because I have not beaten a great opponent only some very good ones.

"I'm confident I will be too strong and too quick for him and will knock him out here on in his own backyard."

Regarding his August 17 defence, he said: "It's frustrating not knowing who I am going to be up against but it's happened to me several times before.

"What matters is that I'm in great shape. I know they are going to put in a world-class opponent, but whoever it is will be knocked out.

"I can't afford any slip-up with the big one so close. I've got to win and win in style, especially on Showtime."

Of the prospect of beating Chris Eubank's world record 15 title defences, Calzaghe said: "It would be nice, but, at the end of the day, it's just a number.

"I would rather beat Hopkins and be recognised as a great fighter than beat three or four average fighters to beat Eubanks' record."

Calzaghe has promised a great night at Cardiff when he gets into the ring.